As my freshman year at Penn State ended I was still trying to find my place in thishuge school. At the beginning of my sophomore year I was introduced to Alpha PhiOmega. This was the best thing that has happened to me here at Penn State. My bestfriends and greatest memories come from this fraternity. Once I started meeting thebrothers and going to events I knew that this is where I belonged. I was prepared tothrow myself all in and I did just that!Having a position in the fraternity comes with its challenges, but that is what APO isabout building stronger leaders. I now have 37 pledge babies and will be adding tothat number come next semester. I feel like a proud mother. I have watched them allgrow from shy pledges to some of the top leaders in the fraternity. I have watchedtheir passion for service grow. I have watched them become best friends with eachother and the brothers. It is one of the most rewarding experiences. I have lovedhelping each and every one of them on the road to becoming a brother. They havemade me laugh and they have made me cry (whether or not they know it). Theyhave all single handily added something so precious to my college experience. I havelearned so much from them and will never forget them.All of the other brothers welcomed me with open arms and I thank them for that.If it weren’t for them and my fellow pledge class I would not be here today. Thebrothers in this fraternity never fail to make me smile. There is so much passionand dedication to who APO is; it is overwhelming. APO’s atmosphere allows youto make best friends, learn about yourself, and enjoy every minute of your time atPenn State. I fell in love with this fraternity, the people in it, and its values instantly.Leadership, Friendship, and Service will be held close to my heart for the rest ofmy life. What better place to be on a Wednesday night than at an APO meetingwith some of my favorite people in the world! I cannot wait to continue to makememories and friends with APO.